Foundation Study #10: Future Events

Use the Discovery Study tool to discuss this doctrinal statement.

The current church age:

The current church age fits in between the 69th and 70th weeks of Daniel’s prophesy (Daniel 9:24-27) and is in the last hour (1 John 2:18) of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1) characterized by increasing evil and deliberate forgetting of God. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3-7)

The glorious appearing:

The next major prophetic event to occur will be the glorious appearing of Jesus in the air to receive to Himself and take to heaven those who belong to him, both dead and alive.

It will be soon, and it will be instant. (John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14; Revelation 1:1)

The Bema:

The next event for believers will be the Bema, or judgement of believers.

This is not a judgment of sin, for the penalty of sin was paid for by Jesus on the cross.

This is an evaluation of the life of believers; some will receive crowns. (Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:16, 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10, 3:11)

The Tribulation

Concurrent with the body of Christ being in heaven will be a time of tribulation on earth; this is the 70th week of Daniel 9:27.

It is a time of great trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) and tribulation (Matthew 24:15-21).

This period is described in Revelation 4-19 and consists of escalating judgements (seals, trumpets and bowls).

During this time, God still purposes to call people to himself (Revelation 14:7).

The Second Coming of Christ(Jesus returns on the clouds of heaven with great power and glory to end the Tribulation in the battle of Armageddon, bringing in the Millennium. At the close of the Millennium is the Great White Throne of Judgment.)

Armageddon: The next great event of prophesy is the battle of armageddon. This event ends the Tribulation and brings in the Millennium. (Revelation 16:16, 19:11-21)

The Millennium: The literal thousand period just following the battle of Armageddon during which Christ reigns on earth as King. It is a time characterized by peace and prosperity and the fulfillment of the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants. (Genesis 15:18; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Revelation 20:1-3)

The Great White Throne of Judgment: At the close of the Millennium is this eternal judgment for all unredeemed souls. (Revelation 20:11-15)

The Eternal State

After the Great White Throne of Judgment, the redeemed enter into the eternal state.

It is characterized by “a new heaven and a new earth,” including the new Jerusalem, and the dwelling place of God is with men.

There is no longer any curse; the fallenness of the first creation is no more. (Revelation 21; 22:1-9)

Discovery Study7-Step Bible Study Tool

Read the doctrinal statement together.

Allow time for each person to thoughtfully choose a One Thing*, then invite everyone to share their One Thing, briefly explaining why they chose it.